The white grape variety comes from Slovenia. The name means "green" or "greener" and is derived from the emerald green colour of the must. However, it is a group of different grape varieties; the "true" Zelen could not yet be identified. A genetic relationship with the Verduzzo Friulano variety from the Italian Friuli is suspected. The medium to late ripening vine produces white wines with piquant acidity and spicy herbal notes. It is cultivated in the Vipava Valley (Wipptal) in the Primorska region. In 2016, 75 hectares of vineyard area were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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